<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3wsqbp_0wPcL8B000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3wsqbp_0wPcL8B000" width="1600" height="900" ></figure>A former propane employee faces serious charges after a house explosion in Virginia, killed a firefighter and injured 11 responders. 🌐 #News #LoudounCountyVA #Virginia #CrimeLOUDOUN COUNTY, VA – A quiet Sterling neighborhood was rocked by a catastrophic explosion in February, leaving a volunteer firefighter dead and injuring 11 other first responders. Now, a former propane company employee faces serious charges in connection with the tragic incident.<h2>Charges Against Roger Bentley</h2>Roger Bentley, previously employed by Southern States Cooperative, Inc.-Leesburg-Fairfax Petroleum Service, was indicted by a Loudoun County Circuit Court Grand Jury on Monday. The indictment follows an in-depth investigation by the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office into the February 16 explosion at 347 Silver Ridge Drive.Bentley is accused of:<ul><li>Involuntary manslaughter</li><li>Unlawful release of hazardous materials</li><li>Failure to maintain required records related to the hazardous materials discharge</li><li>Failure to control or mitigate the hazardous materials release</li></ul>The explosion killed Trevor Brown, a volunteer firefighter responding to the emergency, and left 11 other first responders with serious injuries. Damage from the blast is estimated at $2.5 million.<h2>How the Explosion Happened</h2>According to investigators, a 500-gallon underground propane tank leaked, allowing gas to migrate into and around the house. The accumulated propane ignited from an unknown source, causing the massive explosion.<h2>Safety Concerns and Community Impact</h2>The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Department urges residents to take propane safety seriously. They recommend hiring qualified professionals for all propane system installations and repairs. Residents are also encouraged to be vigilant for signs of propane leaks, which may include:<ul><li>A rotten egg odor</li><li>Hissing or blowing sounds near propane systems</li><li>Blowing dirt or dying vegetation in the area of a tank</li></ul><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1jAp8e_0wPcL8B000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1jAp8e_0wPcL8B000" width="1920" height="270" ></figure><h2>A Lasting Loss</h2>The tragic death of Trevor Brown has left a void in the Sterling Volunteer Fire Department. His dedication to serving the community will not be forgotten. For the injured first responders, recovery continues, with support from both the community and fellow firefighters.The case against Roger Bentley now moves forward in court, marking a critical step in the search for accountability following a preventable tragedy.Sign Up for Our NewsletterBuilt with ConvertKitWe value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!</div></body>

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ICYMI: Virginia Propane Worker Charged After Deadly House Explosion Kills Firefighter

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA – A quiet Sterling neighborhood was rocked by a catastrophic explosion in February, leaving a volunteer firefighter dead and injuring 11 other first responders. Now, a former propane company employee faces serious charges in connection with the tragic incident. Charges Against Roger Bentley. Roger Bentley, previously...